Cheap test for this mod.
I have fitted three oem replacement stats over the last three years and last week I noticed that even over a longer distance the OBD was only showing 78 degrees, it didn't go up any higher in traffic.
So after reading about the top hose mod I decided to fit one and try it, Eurocarparts had the thermostat I wanted (Circoli Part number 209745041) for a Renault 5 1.4, the diameter is 43mm.
Priced at £9.29 but with a blackfriday code used the total cost was £6.04.
2 degrees outside this morning and one hour later and I am running around with 86 degrees showing, normal roads, I ran around for about 10 miles or so and it only moved up or down by 1 degree, left her idling on my drive for about 15 minutes and the temp dropped to 84/85.
I will keep an eye on the temperature but if it stays like this for the winter I will be happy.
